Experts Analyze Global Storytelling Strategies in the Anime Industry
The WAVES 2025 Summit kicked off at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, showcasing the burgeoning Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector in India. The inaugural day featured engaging breakout sessions that highlighted the potential of anime and gaming, with industry leaders from Japan and India discussing trends, challenges, and opportunities. The summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in these creative industries, emphasizing their cultural and commercial significance.
Insights into Anime’s Global Potential
One of the standout sessions, titled “Anime Ascending: Unlocking Global Potential in Storytelling, Fandom & Industry Growth,” brought together prominent figures from the Japanese and Indian animation sectors. Moderated by Shri Munjal Shroff, Chair of the FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, the panel included notable experts such as Mr. Hideo Katsumata, President of The Anime Times Company, and Ms. Anu Sikka, Business Head of Kids Entertainment at Jiostar. The discussion centered on the evolution of anime and its emotional resonance with audiences, particularly in India.
Mr. Katsumata emphasized the growing focus on Indian audiences, highlighting the importance of integrating local cultures into Japanese animation. He stated, “We are exploring ways to blend Japanese animation with Indian traditions to connect with local audiences.” Meanwhile, Mr. Atsuo Nakayama discussed the economic impact of anime in Japan and expressed optimism about India’s potential as a market for Japanese animation. He noted that the entertainment industry could serve as a bridge between the two nations, fostering cultural exchange.
Mr. Makoto Tezka traced the origins of anime, linking it to Japan’s rich manga culture. Ms. Sikka shared insights from extensive research conducted in India, which revealed that cultural relatability significantly contributes to anime’s popularity among Indian children. The session underscored the potential for collaboration between the two countries in the animation space.
Exploring Opportunities in Gaming
Another engaging session, “The New Arcade: VC’s Perspective on Gaming’s New Frontier,” provided a comprehensive overview of the Indian gaming sector’s opportunities and innovations. Moderated by Aditya Mani, CEO of Yologram Style, the panel featured venture capitalists such as Anuj Tandon from Bitkraft Venture and Sharan Tulsiani, Founder of Jetapult. The discussion highlighted India’s unique storytelling tradition and its integration into interactive media.
The panelists emphasized that gaming is increasingly converging with films and mainstream media, with Indian gaming studios emerging as significant players. Jeremy Lim pointed out that India has the ability to scale innovative models that may not have succeeded elsewhere. A key takeaway from the session was the importance of localization in gaming, as adapting experiences to local consumer behavior is crucial for success in emerging markets.
Looking ahead, the panel discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming, predicting that AI will enhance user interaction and personalize gameplay, thereby driving immersive storytelling experiences.
The Role of Visual Effects in Cinema
The breakout session on visual effects (VFX) explored the transformative role of VFX in modern cinema. Moderated by Sh. Akhauri P. Sinha, Managing Director of Framestore India, the panel included industry veterans such as Sh. Jaykar Arudra, VFX Supervisor at DNEG, and Sh. Srinivas Mohan, known for his work on blockbuster films like Baahubali. The discussion focused on how VFX is revolutionizing storytelling in cinema.
Sh. Arudra highlighted the importance of research and design in meeting the creative demands of VFX-heavy productions, stating, “It’s not just about spectacle—it’s about story integrity.” He expressed confidence that India is on the path to becoming a superpower in the VFX industry, with initiatives like WAVES paving the way for future growth. Sh. Mohan noted that technology is a game-changer, enabling filmmakers to create world-class visuals. Meanwhile, Sh. Sandeep Kamal discussed the increasing accessibility of high-quality VFX tools, emphasizing that a clear vision is essential for achieving both quality and deadlines.
The session encapsulated a spirit of optimism and collaboration, showcasing the potential of anime, VFX, and gaming as powerful cultural and commercial forces in India. The discussions at WAVES 2025 reflect a commitment to innovation and storytelling, highlighting the country’s growing influence in these dynamic industries.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
